UCCS Mountain Lions rank 25 in NCSA Division II Power Rankings

CHICAGO – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs came in at No. 25 among more than 300 U.S. and Canadian universities that compete in NCAA Division II athletics when athletic and academic standards are combined, according to Chicago-based NCSA Athletic Recruiting.

Among public universities, UCCS ranked seventh in NCAA Division II.

The 10th annual NCSA Collegiate Power Rankings assess academic and athletic standards of all NCAA athletic programs to help prospective student-athletes and their families evaluate the particular strengths of the top colleges and universities at NCAA Division I, II and III levels.

“The Power Rankings are an objective tool to empower student-athletes to find the right fit in a college or university, not only for its athletics, but academics as well,” said Lisa Strasman, President of NCSA Athletic Recruiting. “Our hope is to educate these student-athletes and their parents on the importance of evaluating schools that will provide the education for an enriched, successful career after college, in addition to athletic success.”

The Collegiate Power Rankings from NCSA Athletic Recruiting are calculated for each college and university by averaging student-athlete graduation rates, academic rankings provided by U.S. News & World Report, and the strength of athletic departments as determined by the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. The UCCS combined score of 118 tied with Assumption College, a private college in Worchester, Mass., and ahead of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference foe Colorado School of Mines.

“This ranking is a reflection of our coaches and student-athlete’s dedication to the true and pervasive collegiate athlete experience,” said Athletic Director Steve Kirkham. “One where you can achieve a degree while still participating in the sport you love.”